Even though Channel 4 has just started out, their journey’s end has already been declared. From 2019, F1 will be solely broadcast on Sky’s satellite platform meaning for the first time since the sport began there will be no FTA provision of F1 in the UK. There was some “last minute” deal for the British GP which will be available to subscribers of any of Sky’s TV packages.

Access to the F1 channel isn’t cheap as [unless you’re grandfathered in as part of the Sky F1 HD option available for the first couple of years] it’s bundled with Sky Sports that commands [at the time of the post] £27.50/month.

Everyone pretty much said qualifying was a disaster but oddly behind closed doors this wasn’t the case. It seems that a unanimous vote was not cast and thus the qualifying format from introduced in Melbourne would be retained in Bahrain.

Together with the move to a subscription only channel [for 2019] you have to wonder what the sport actually wants to provide a show for the followers or it simply wants to be become a gentlemen’s club for manufacturers.

Anyone notice that champagne wasn’t flowing after the race in Melbourne? Chandon Brut, provided by the McLaren sponsor, is “actually a brand of Chardonnay, not Champagne” so another ‘tradition’ bites the dust. Can’t say I’d notice the difference as my palette is tuned more towards products made from hops.

Like last year I entered the Wiltshire Big Wheel bike ride as organised by Bike Events. Whilst I had always intended to enter, my entry was made quite late as I was hoping for a favourable weather forecast. Thankfully it turned out great! Read More…

As is the case every year I’ve been “busy”; that is time has flown by and I’ve not managed to strike off many things of the ever present “must do” list.

This year at least we’ve enjoyed a mix of racing events. Firstly, I attended a Rally Experience day at Castle Combe. It was a great time but as ever with these things I was left wanting more. Thanks go to my colleagues at ARI for the fantastic leaving present. My daughter especially enjoyed the hot laps in a Scooby

The weather was ominous upon leaving the house at 03:02; rain wasn’t in the script but here it was! Arrival into a dry though cloudy and cold London at 05:05 to put bike together and make oneself look more like a cyclist. Ride briefing [which amounted to little more than it’s not a race and there are no feed stations en route] at 05:23, picture at the start and on the road by myself at 05:25.

I’m probably a little mad but I’ve signed up to participate in what is the return of the Wrong Way Round challenge ride. Those of you who are local will know that the village did hold the event over the past couple of years but dropped the “classic” route from Hyde Park Corner, London.

This year it’s back on albeit with another change. That is that any rider wishing to participate has to arrange their own transportation to London for the dawn start. As you can imagine that’s not easy/cheap as public transport is non existent at that time!

Due to the lack of travel options and indecisiveness on participation I have not trained so it’s likely to be pretty tough going.

Anyways, it’s on, I’m in and I hope the weather is not suited to ducks.